The race calendar

I was looking at my google calendar to make sure that all of the races I am aware I've signed up for have been entered.  Then cross referenced that with the events I am attending according to Facebook.  Then went through my email race registration confirmations to make sure nothing was left out.  Phew...I think all is in order now.  I hope it is all in order. 

Unfortunately I've discovered that there's not a lot of extra time to add more races to this schedule. There are so many fun / cool / beautiful races out there I'd like to run...but only so many weekends in a year and only so many of those that can be spent away from home racing.  So what does one do?  There are certain races that I just love and couldn't see not doing year after year.  But I will make some tough choices and eliminate a favorite for a bucket list item or two each year...starting next year.

My 2012 race schedule:

14-Jan	Frosty 50	31
3-Mar	Pacing Snickers	26.2
25-Mar	Gorge Waterfalls	31
14-Apr	Potawatomi	50
2-Jun	KM100	100
15-Jun	Chatt Stage Race	60
14-Jul	Dances with Dirt	50
28-Jul	Sunburn 6/12 hour	50
16-Sep	Pace Fox Valley	26.2
7-Oct	Pace Lakefront	26.2
27-Oct	JJ100	100
1-Dec	Tecumseh	26.2
14-Dec	Lookout Mountain 50	50
Total Race Miles:		626.8

         
Looking forward to each and every one of these adventures.  I love the physical challenge, the race atmosphere, the amazing trails, the ultra aid stations with cookies and chips, the great friends, and ahhhhh - the finish.

Oh, and the training for KM100 is going great!

Balls in the air

Sixteen weeks and 4 days until the big day.  Time is flying so fast I feel like I'm riding in an X43.  When did we enter February?  I had an invitation from Jack's classmate hanging on my fridge...I looked at it yesterday and was going to RSVP...ooops, the party was on Sunday, February 5th. 

Juggling kids, home, career, running...with multiple to-do's under each of the categories has been quite challenging lately.  I can easily prioritize these 4 categories but struggle with the lists within the categories and mingling them all together to come up with a work/home/run/family balance that keeps everyone affected happy.  Though, the only one complaining is me so I should probably just spend this time and energy being productive ;)

Last weekend I made plans to meet Tifanie at the Arb for a morning run.  I woke up early, got all of my gear together, dressed, and ready to go.  Michael walks up to me and asks if I am going running and am I running outside or downstairs.  I told him outside.  He gave me the sad eyes and asked me if I could run downstairs instead.  Normally I would stick to the plan, give him a kiss, tell him mommy will be back soon.  This day I decided to drop the ball.  I kicked off my shoes, took off my coat, sent my apologies to Tif, and snuggled on the couch with that sweet little angel.  No regrets!  His excitement and smile was so worth it!  (I got my run in later...guilt free) 

My snuggle bug...how could I resist?

Dunkin Donuts...the greatest place on earth when you're 3 & 5

Mikey and his monkey...love his style!

  
Training is going well - I am getting in most of my miles - feeling good - injury free.  We have had perfect running weather so far this winter.  Last Tuesday at EPIC it was so nice we got to enjoy a parking lot post party- summer style.  Good times! 

Looking forward to kicking this week off right with an EPIC Tuesday run tonight.